Player Ratings: Wolves 1-2 Newcastle – Defensive Woes and Game-Changing Subs

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A stunning strike from Harvey Barnes completed a remarkable comeback for Newcastle as they overcame Wolves 2-1 at Molineux.

Barnes came on at the start of the second half but saved his biggest impact for the 80th minute when he cut infield from the left wing and unleashed a curling effort into the top right corner.

The winger’s goal came just five minutes after Fabian Schar scored the equaliser when he scored a long-range effort that took a cruel deflection off of Craig Dawson and beyond Sam Johnstone’s reach.

Eddie Howe’s side had to do it the hard way after Wolves skipper Mario Lemina had put the hosts in front in the 36th minute. 

Here, Mail Sport’s Aadam Patel rates how every player from Wolves and Newcastle performed.

Harvey Barnes scored the winner for Newcastle with a long-range effort in the 80th minute

The Magpies equalised via Fabian Schar's effort which took a deflection off of Craig Dawson

The Magpies equalised via Fabian Schar’s effort which took a deflection off of Craig Dawson

NEWCASTLE (4-3-3)

Nick Pope (7) 

Undeniably a great shot-stopper and showed that, though with the ball at his feet Pope does not look comfortable. But he made some huge saves, including a stunning diving stop in added time to deny Matheus Cunha that ultimately secured the three points. Solid display.

Tino Livramento (5)

A very quiet game attackingly and made a poor defensive decision for the Wolves goal as he failed to get into the area from where Mario Lemina finished. Replaced just after the hour mark for Kieran Trippier.

Fabian Schar (6.5)

His first game back after his sending off on the first weekend of the season. Could do nothing to stop a brilliant Wolves counter-attack and was fortunate too that Jorgen Strand Larsen hit the post when the forward’s movement was too quick for him. But credit is due for the equaliser as he took a chance and benefitted from a slice of luck, when his strike was deflected in.

Dan Burn (5)

Failed to deal with Larsen for the goal as he was done for pace. At this level, you have to be quick and there’s a reason why Newcastle were after Marc Guehi. Booked in the second half after fouling Matheus Cunha and endured a torrid afternoon, with Larsen too good for him.

Dan Burn struggled to deal with Wolves forward Larsen, especially with his speed

Dan Burn struggled to deal with Wolves forward Larsen, especially with his speed

Newcastle left-back Lewis Hall was the shining light of their defensive unit against Wolves

Newcastle left-back Lewis Hall was the shining light of their defensive unit against Wolves

Lewis Hall (6.5)

The pick of the Newcastle defenders. Preferred to Lloyd Kelly at left-back and was relentless all afternoon, up and down the flank. The 20-year-old had 96 touches – more than anyone else.

Sean Longstaff (4)

Sloppy in possession. Guilty of losing the ball that led to Wolves’ first goal and his first-half was summed up when Rayan Ait-Nouri did him with some quick feet. Dragged off at half-time for Sandro Tonali.

Bruno Guimaraes (6)

Started well but has to show more responsibility. Had a good effort which was palmed away by the diving Sam Johnstone and got the assist for Schar’s equaliser, before he was taken off for Lloyd Kelly late on as Newcastle shifted to a back five.

Joelinton (5)

Has to be better. A solid start but could see his frustration grow after Wolves took the lead as he picked up an immediate booking for fouling Joao Gomes. Replaced at half-time for Joe Willock.

Joelinton wasn't at his usual best in the midfield for Eddie Howe's side against Wolves

Joelinton wasn’t at his usual best in the midfield for Eddie Howe’s side against Wolves

Jacob Murphy (6)

Returned to the side after Harvey Barnes was preferred against Tottenham and made some brilliant runs, causing Rayan Ait-Nouri plenty of problems in a solid duel. Had a big chance early on after a great through-ball from Isak but his effort was tipped over the bar by Sam Johnstone.

Alexander Isak (6)

Always offered a threat but went off at half-time holding a bandage after a nose bleed which came about after Craig Dawson booted a clearance into his face. Subsequently replaced by Harvey Barnes.

Anthony Gordon (8)

Started on his preferred left side and was so unlucky not to break the deadlock after he did superbly, leaving Nelson Semedo for dead before beating Yerson Mosquera and hitting the post with a right-footed curling effort. Played the second-half as centre forward after Isak was taken off and still caused problems. Newcastle’s best player on the afternoon.

Substitutions 

Sandro Tonali (6)

Took a while to get into the game after he was introduced at half-time but gave Newcastle some much-needed control in the second half.

Harvey Barnes (7.5)

One of three half-time substitutions by Eddie Howe and delivered in style with a goal worthy of winning any game, beating two defenders before striking a beauty into the top corner. Since the start of last season, no player has scored more Prmier League goals as a sub than Barnes (five).

Harvey Barnes was the man of the moment as his goal proved to be the winner for the Magpies

Harvey Barnes was the man of the moment as his goal proved to be the winner for the Magpies

Joe Willock (6)

Made more of an impact than Joelinton, who he replaced at the break, and justified his managers decision to put him on.

Kieran Trippier (6)

Replaced Tino Livramento and in fairness, Newcastle looked a lot more threatening attackingly with Tripper on the pitch.

Lloyd Kelly (5)

On for Bruno Guimaraes late on as Howe looked to see out the latter stages with a back five.

Manager: Eddie Howe 7

Winless in all four top-flight matches as a manager at Molineux going into this game so this victory would certainly have tasted sweet. Not least for the fact that his triple-substitution at half-time was justified.

Wolves (4-4-1-1): Johnstone 6; Semedo 6 (Doherty 77, 5), Mosquera 6, Dawson 6, Ait Nouri 6 (Forbs 86); Bellegarde 7 (Hwang 70, 5), Andre 7 (Doyle 77, 5), Lemina 7.5, Cunha 7.5, Joao Gomes 7.5; Larsen 8 (Guedes 86).

Subs unused: Jose Sa, Bueno, Rodrigo Gomes Sarabia, Borges

Goal: Lemina 18

Bookings: Ait-Nouri, Semedo, Andre

Manager: Gary O’Neil 6 

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